Surf's Up! Brazil Ecojourneys and GaySurfers LGBT Surf Camp

Long known for hosting the biggest LGBT pride celebrations in the world, Brazil is also home to some of the best waves on the planet. Lesbian-owned Brazil Ecojourneys and GaySurfers want to bring the joy of pride back to the beach as they once again host South America's only LGBT surf camp in Santa Catarina, South Brazil.
�
The first camp was held in 2013, and introduced international LGBT travelers to the joy of surfing in the region where the local LGBT community has been hitting the waves since the 1980s.

"I believe many LGBTs would love to learn to surf but are put off by the homophobic environment that is sometimes found in surfing and many other sports," said Marta Dalla Chiesa, owner of Brazil Ecojourneys. "Learning to surf here in Brazil amongst friends makes it possible to live that dream without fear. There is so much camaraderie in the group and tons of support for beginners." Since that first camp, LGBT surf enthusiasts and beginners from as far away as Canada, USA and Argentina have returned to Santa Catarina (just an hour's flight from Sao Paulo) to hone their skills.

Santa Catarina is a hidden gem known for its gorgeous soft-sand beaches and mild climate. Thanks to the half-moon shape of the Praia de Rosa bay where the camp takes place, there is always fantastic surfing no matter the direction of the winds or swells. An area long appreciated by the local LGBT community, in recent years it has become a popular gay and lesbian vacation destination.

With this fantastic surfing environment also comes an amazing surf coach, Capit�o David. His surf school, founded in 1995, is the oldest one in all of Rosa. The Captain, as he is known by his more than 15,000 student/friends, has taught generations of beginners and trained some serious surfers. You will definitely learn more with the Captain than you would at any other surf school! For more experienced surfers who don't need the basics, this trip will offer you the best waves in Brazil with a friendly local, as well as the expertise of the Captain to help improve your performance.

On top of the 5-day surf camp, this trip also includes a 2-night stay in Florianopolis. Also known as "the Magic Island" or "Floripa, this island has been known for its surfing culture and LGBT-friendliness since the '80s!

The camp will run from April 30 - May 7 in Santa Catarina, South Brazil, during the region's autumn season, with sunny skies, high temperatures, warm waters and no crowds. While the week was created for LGBT surfers, it is open to all allies, family and friends.

Program:

Saturday April 30: Arrival in Florianopolis. Check in at your Town Home right in front of Praia Mole -- one of the best beaches for surfing on the Island and the most LGBT-friendly beach south of Ipanema. Afternoon free.
Welcome Dinner. Optional G & L nightlife tour.

Sunday May 1: Breakfast at your leisure
Day free to enjoy the beach (previous host to both WQS and WCT competitions). Optional afternoon tour of the Island.

Monday May 2: Early breakfast then transfer to Praia do Rosa. Check-in at Pousada Casa do Ceo.
2 pm: Start of the Surf Camp: Surf Introduction for Beginners/ Evaluation session for experienced. Duration 3 hours.
6:30 pm: Yoga lesson

Tuesday May 3:
8:30 am: Breakfast
10 am: Surf session & Clinic. Duration 4 hours.
Rest of the afternoon free for relaxation at the beach or by the pool.

Wednesday May 4:
8:30 am: Breakfast
10 am: Surf session & Clinic. Duration 4 hours.
6:30 pm: Yoga lesson

Thursday May 5:
8:30 am: Breakfast
9:30 am: Departure for a full-day Surfari.
We will explore the Southern Coast of Santa Catarina looking for the best spots for our Surf Session. If conditions are good we will go up to Farol de Santa Marta, a remote fishing village with a famous lighthouse and good waves. On the way there, you'll have the chance to see the famous Laguna Dolphins.

Friday May 6:
8:30 am: Breakfast
10 am: Surf session & Clinic. Duration 4 hours.
7 pm: Caipirinha Workshop, Sundowners and Farewell Dinner

Saturday May 7:
Breakfast & Check Out. Transfer back to Florianopolis airport for return flights.

Cost per person:
Single room basis: US$ 1477
Twin room basis: US$ 1221
Double room basis: US$ 1079

Package includes:
� All transfers starting/ending Florianopolis airport with English-speaking driver or guide
� 2 nights' accommodations at a Town Home in Praia Mole, Florianopolis, with breakfast (shared house, private ensuite rooms)
� 5 nights' accommodations at the charming Pousada Casa do Ceo in Praia do Rosa (private ensuite rooms) with breakfast
� 4 days of Surf Camp with Capit�o David School in Praia do Rosa.

Surf Camp consists of lessons for beginners and intermediates, followed by a surf clinic with exercises/practice for better performances aided by analysis of videos filmed during lessons/sessions.

Experienced surfers will have "Surf with a Local" Sessions and the Surf Clinic (4 hours daily).

� 1 full-day Surfari with Capit�o David School;
� 1 DVD with photos/videos of your session
� 2 Yoga Group Sessions
� 2 dinners
� English-speaking Tour Leader

Package does not include:
Flights, Visas, meals not mentioned, optional tours, insurance, tips, equipment (except during surf lessons)

**Extensions to Rio, Iguazu or other destinations in Brazil available-please contact us for more details.**

For more details on the camp or about gay surfing in general, visit the http://gaysurfbrazil.blogspot.com.br/2015/10/gaysurfbrazil-lgbt-surf-camp-2016.html